Malicious code, or malware, is a common name applied to all forms of unwanted and destructive software, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans. The best way to protect from malicious code is to install virus scanners and keep virus definition (signature) files current.
Virus: A virus is malicious code that infects or attaches itself to other objects or programs. All viruses have some form of replication mechanism, which is how they propagate.
Worm: A worm is malicious code that replicates by making copies of itself on the same computer or by sending copies of itself to another computer. Worms, unlike viruses, do not infect other program files on a computer. All worms have some form of replication mechanism, which is how they propagate. A worm does not require any host program unlike virus to execute, they can run independently.
Trojan: A Trojan horse is seemingly useful (or harmless) programs that perform malicious or illicit action then activated, such as destroying files. For example, user downloads what appears to be a movie or music file but he unleash a dangerous program which can erase in disk or can send his credit card numbers or password files to intruders. These backdoor programs may also open certain ports on user computer allowing unauthorized access to user computer.
The malicious code usually propagates through email attachments.
Virus: A virus is malicious code that infects or attaches itself to other objects or programs. All viruses have some form of replication mechanism, which is how they propagate.
Worm: A worm is malicious code that replicates by making copies of itself on the same computer or by sending copies of itself to another computer. Worms, unlike viruses, do not infect other program files on a computer. All worms have some form of replication mechanism, which is how they propagate. A worm does not require any host program unlike virus to execute, they can run independently.
Trojan: A Trojan horse is seemingly useful (or harmless) programs that perform malicious or illicit action then activated, such as destroying files. For example, user downloads what appears to be a movie or music file but he unleash a dangerous program which can erase in disk or can send his credit card numbers or password files to intruders. These backdoor programs may also open certain ports on user computer allowing unauthorized access to user computer.
The malicious code usually propagates through email attachments.
